Star maps and celestial charts have fascinated humans for centuries.
These tools help us explore the night sky and understand the positions of stars, planets, and other celestial objects.
They come in many forms, from simple paper charts to digital apps and interactive displays.
We love using star maps and celestial charts to learn about constellations and track the movements of planets.
They make stargazing more fun and educational, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer.
Some charts are basic and easy to use, while others offer detailed information for more serious sky watchers.
When buying a star map or celestial chart, it’s important to think about how you’ll use it.
Size matters – a small pocket guide is great for quick reference, but a larger chart might be better for studying at home.
The level of detail is also key.
Beginners might prefer simpler charts, while advanced users might want more comprehensive information.
Best Star Maps and Celestial Charts
We’ve gathered a stellar collection of star maps and celestial charts for you to explore the night sky.
These products will help you spot constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders from your own backyard.
Check out our top picks below!
Cavallini Celestial Chart Poster
We think this beautiful celestial chart poster is a must-have for anyone who loves stargazing or decorating with vintage-inspired prints.
Pros
- Stunning vintage-inspired design
- High-quality Italian paper
- Versatile use as poster or gift wrap
Cons
- Thin paper needs careful handling
- May require framing for best display
- Limited to two hemispheres only
We recently got our hands on this Cavallini Celestial Chart Poster, and we’re over the moon about it! The design is simply gorgeous, featuring detailed charts of both the northern and southern hemispheres.
It’s printed on lovely Italian paper that has a nice texture and weight to it.
At 20 x 28 inches, this poster is a great size for framing and hanging on a wall.
We put ours up in the office, and it’s become quite the conversation starter.
The vintage-inspired look gives it a classy, timeless feel that works well in many different spaces.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paper is on the thinner side.
It’s perfect if you want to use it as fancy gift wrap, but for a poster, you’ll want to be careful when handling it.
We suggest framing it right away to keep it in top shape.
All in all, we’re really happy with this celestial chart and think it’s a great buy for space enthusiasts and decor lovers alike!
Celestial Wall Art by Poster Master
We think this star map print is a great pick for anyone looking to add some night sky magic to their walls.
Pros
- High-quality matte paper
- Multiple size options
- Versatile decor piece
Cons
- Comes unframed
- Limited color choices
- May be too simple for some
We recently got our hands on this celestial poster from Poster Master, and we’re pretty impressed! The print quality is top-notch, with crisp details that really make the star map pop.
We hung it up in our office, and it’s already gotten lots of compliments.
One thing we really like is how many size options there are.
Whether you want a small 8×10 or a big 24×32, they’ve got you covered.
The matte paper feels nice and sturdy too, so we’re not worried about it getting damaged easily.
We did notice it comes unframed, which might be a bummer if you were hoping for a ready-to-hang piece.
But on the bright side, this lets you pick out a frame that matches your style perfectly.
Overall, we think this star map is a cool way to bring some space vibes into any room.
Vintage Star Chart Print
We think this Capricorn Press star map is a must-have for anyone who loves astronomy and vintage-inspired decor.
Pros
- High-quality cotton paper
- Beautifully detailed stars
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Only available unframed
- Limited size options
- May not suit modern decor styles
We recently got our hands on this gorgeous vintage star map print, and we’re in love! The intricate details of the hand-drawn stars really caught our eye.
It’s based on a rare 19th-century constellation map, giving it a unique and authentic feel.
The print quality is top-notch.
We could tell right away that Capricorn Press uses high-end materials.
The 100% cotton paper feels thick and luxurious.
It has a nice texture that reminds us of watercolor paper.
We chose the navy blue version, and the color is rich and deep.
One thing to keep in mind is that this print comes unframed.
We had to buy a separate frame, but it wasn’t too hard to find an 8×10 one that worked well.
We wish it came in more sizes, but the standard 8×10 fits nicely in most spaces.
Tirion Multi-Latitude Planisphere
We think this star map is a great buy for both new and experienced stargazers who want to explore the night sky across different locations.
Pros
- Works for a wide range of latitudes
- Double-sided design
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons
- Limited to Northern Hemisphere
- Plastic construction may not be very durable
- Requires some practice to master
We recently tried out the Tirion Multi-Latitude Planisphere, and we’re impressed by its versatility.
This star map works for locations between the equator and 60 degrees north latitude.
That’s a huge area! We could use it at home and on our trips to different parts of North America.
The double-sided design is really handy.
One side shows the sky as seen from lower latitudes, while the other is for higher latitudes.
We found it pretty easy to switch between the two as needed.
The map is clear and easy to read, even in dim light.
We think this planisphere is great for beginners.
It helped us learn the major constellations quickly.
With a bit of practice, we could find our way around the night sky.
The only downside is that it’s made of plastic, so it might not last as long as we’d like.
But for the price, we think it’s a good value for anyone wanting to start stargazing.
EzPosterPrints Sky Map
We think this detailed sky map poster is a great buy for anyone who loves stargazing or wants to learn more about the night sky.
Pros
- Very detailed and high-quality print
- Available in multiple sizes
- Made in the USA with durable materials
Cons
- May be too complex for young children
- Limited to northern hemisphere constellations
- Paper quality could be thicker
We were amazed by the level of detail on this sky map poster.
It shows constellations and star names clearly, making it perfect for astronomy fans or students.
The print quality is top-notch, with vivid colors that really pop.
We hung this poster in our office, and it’s become a real conversation starter.
It’s not just informative – it’s also a beautiful piece of wall art.
The different size options are great too.
We went with the 24×16 inch version, which fits nicely above our desk.
One thing to note is that this map might be a bit overwhelming for little kids.
It’s packed with info, which is great for older students and adults, but could be confusing for younger stargazers.
Also, keep in mind it only shows northern hemisphere constellations.
If you’re in the southern hemisphere, you might want a different map.
The Night Sky Pocket Guide
We think this handy pocket guide is a must-have for anyone interested in stargazing and celestial events.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Durable laminated design
- Packed with useful information
Cons
- Limited to skies south of 48th parallel
- Small print may be hard to read
- Lacks in-depth details on some topics
We love how this folding pocket guide fits easily in a backpack or pocket.
It’s perfect for camping trips or impromptu stargazing sessions.
The laminated pages feel sturdy and can handle a bit of dew or light rain without getting ruined.
The guide covers a lot of ground.
We found info on the moon phases, planets, and major constellations.
It even touches on celestial events like meteor showers.
For beginners, it’s a great starting point to learn about the night sky.
We did notice the text is pretty small.
If you have trouble reading fine print, you might want to bring a magnifying glass along.
Also, keep in mind this guide works best for viewers in the lower 48 states.
If you’re in Canada or other northern areas, you’ll need a different resource.
Buying Guide
Ready to get your first star map or celestial chart? We’ve got you covered with some handy tips!
Accuracy
Look for maps with precise star positions and magnitudes.
The more stars shown, the better.
Check that constellations are clearly marked.
Ease of Use
Pick a map that’s simple to read, even in low light.
Glow-in-the-dark features can be super helpful for nighttime stargazing.
Durability
Choose materials that can handle outdoor use.
Water-resistant options are great for dewy nights.
Customization
Some maps let you set the date and location.
This is perfect for seeing the sky as it looks from your backyard.
Size and Portability
Think about where you’ll use the map.
A big chart is nice at home, but a pocket-sized one works better for camping trips.
Additional Info
Extra details like planet positions or deep-sky objects can add value.
Here’s a quick rundown of features to consider:
| Feature | Beginner | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Star count | 1000+ | 3000+ |
| Magnitude limit | 5 | 6+ |
| Messier objects | Yes | Yes |
| NGC objects | No | Yes |
Remember, the best map is one you’ll actually use.
Happy stargazing!
